Context No. 2808 of 4322 · 2 Kings

2 Kings 10:11-15: in context

11So Jehu struck all that remained of Ahab’s house in Jezreel, with all his great men, his familiar friends, and his priests, until he left him no one remaining. 12He arose and departed, and went to Samaria. As he was at the shearing house of the shepherds on the way, 13Jehu met with the brothers of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, “Who are you?” They answered, “We are the brothers of Ahaziah. We are going down to greet the children of the king and the children of the queen.” 14He said, “Take them alive!” They took them alive, and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even forty-two men. He didn’t leave any of them. 15When he had departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. He greeted him, and said to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?” Jehonadab answered, “It is.” “If it is, give me your hand.” He gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.

Jehu carries out a bloody purge of Ahab's dynasty, cutting down everyone connected to the house, even forty-two of Ahaziah's relatives caught on the road. It is hard reading, and Scripture's own verdict on Jehu is mixed. He does carry out a judgment God had announced, yet his zeal runs to cruelty and excess, and a later prophet will hold the blood of Jezreel against his house. This is no simple hero.

Set beside the killing is a quieter moment worth drawing out. Jehu meets Jehonadab and asks, is your heart right with mine, as mine is with yours? Jehonadab says yes, and Jehu takes him up into the chariot. Behind that handshake is a real question, the question of genuine alliance: are two people truly joined in purpose, or only clasping hands for advantage? Even in a dark chapter, the worth of a heart honestly aligned with another's stands out against the calculation all around it.

When I join myself to someone or some cause, is my heart really in it, or am I only giving my hand while my heart holds back?

Sources

2 Kings 10:15: "Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?"
Hosea 1:4: "I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu."
Psalm 86:11: "Teach me your way, LORD. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name."